According to the SCPSO, Devillier reportedly shot Hazeltine in the elbow, eye and chest. The incident is being described as an ambush by local authorities.

Officials said Devillier was arrested within minutes of the shooting. A preliminary investigation determined that Hazeltine was conducting traffic control near a school zone when he exchanged words with a man identified as Devillier, who was reportedly irate during the encounter.

Devillier reportedly drove away and returned to where the deputy was and the situation escalated. Officials said Devillier took out a handgun, which was sitting on his dashboard, and opened fire on Hazeltine.

Hazeltine was able to return fire while being shot at by Devillier, the SCPSO said. Devillier left after the shooting, but was apprehended by law enforcement officers, who were in the area and also aided Hazeltine.

The SCPSO said records indicate Devillier was fired from the TSA in 2013 for "conduct unbecoming" and was divorced the same year. Since then, he has been living in a hotel in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he was charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence.

The Sheriff's Office said a bullet was lodged behind Hazeltine's left eye and he is suffering from internal bleeding. Hazeltine was taken to University Hospital in New Orleans, where he was listed in guarded but stable condition.

Members of multiple law enforcement agencies from the New Orleans area were at University Hospital, where the deputy was taken earlier Thursday morning.